Loose Sips Sink Ships
So, after 239 years of delicious maritime drunkenness, the British Navy finally decided what to do with a drunken sailor. Cut – Him/Her – Off. On July 31, 1970 the British Royal Navy became the official party pooper of the seas. Turned off the music, turned on all the lights and called last call. This is the day that will live in infamy—Black Tot Day. This was the official end of the sailors’ beloved rum ration.
The Origins of the Tot
The daily rum ration, or “tot,” official began in 1731, but sailors had been imbibing in rationed rum since 1655, shortly after the British captured Jamaica from the Spanish. Basically, rum was available and safe drinking water wasn’t – so, that’s what was dished out. In addition to terrible dry mouth & hangovers in the morning, it provided a jolly atmos on ships where life was decidedly grim. Beer & brandy were also used but there was so much rum kicking around that they all thought – ‘Why Not’.
The ritual began with the bosun’s mate piping “Up Spirits,” followed by the purser dishing out a high-proof blend rum quickly became a staple in the sailors’ daily diet, and by 1731 the daily rum ration, or “tot,” in by the British Royal Navy became policy. Until of course, that dark, dark day in 1970 – Black Tot Day.
A Measure of Tradition
The “tot” officially measured at one-eighth of an imperial pint, or about 71 milliliters (that’s about 2.5 ounces in normal people speak). The British love to flex their command of ‘English’ – being the inventors of it and all – so of course they have a whole slew of special terms for their rum rations. The term “tot” comes from British slang, meaning a small measure of spirits. To start, sailors received their rum neat, but surprise, surprise, they all got super drunk. So Admiral Nelson decreed they mix it with water to create “grog.” Even the large barrels they served it from had a special name: “scuttlebutts” and the individual measures were known as “noggins” or “jills.”
The Final Tot
As time went on, as it always does, technology advanced as did safety measures & HR policies – so the British Navy had a wee looksie at the works and thought maybe having a load of drunks in charge of their highly advanced ships wasn’t a good look. On July 31, 1970 it was official. Sailors marked the day with black armbands and mock funerals, mourning the “death” of their cherished tradition. On the H.M.S. Fife, docked in Pearl Harbor, a 21-gun salute honored the last tot, turning the occasion into a bittersweet spectacle.
What Happened to the Rum?
Obviously the leftover rum wasn’t tossed overboard – they weren’t crazy afterall; instead, it was stored in ceramic demijohns in London for 40 years. Eventually, Specialty Drinks bought and bottled it under the label “The Last Consignment,” and now modern rum enthusiasts can buy a taste of naval history.
The Legacy Lives On
Officially the daily tot is no more, but as the Brits are loath to let go of tradition, the spirit of the tot lives on. The Royal Navy’s preferred spirit is now Pusser’s Rum, a nod to the old ways. If you’re especially good, your commanding officers might still issue rum, and on special occasions, they can “splice the mainbrace,” ordering a celebratory round of tots for the crew.
Fun Fact
The United States Navy – trendsetters that they were – had their own Black Tot Day in 1862, way ahead of the British. They went dry much earlier, fully banning alcohol by 1914, well before the dark days of Prohibition hit the mainland.
So, each July 31st make sure you raise a tot of rum —a day that marked the end of an era but left a legacy that still sails through the hearts (and glasses) of rum lovers.
Share your sea shanties and naval yarns with us in the comments below – we would love to hear your tot-related tale!
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